Language is a powerful tool that shapes our perceptions and interactions, reflecting the cultural nuances of the societies in which it is spoken. The quest for inclusive language in translation has gained momentum globally, challenging traditional gender norms embedded in many languages. However, when it comes to translating from an ungendered language like English to a gendered one like Italian, the difficulties become evident. In this blog post, we’ll explore the challenges of using inclusive language in Italian translations and the delicate balance between promoting inclusivity and preserving linguistic authenticity.

The Gendered Nature of Italian

Italian, like many Romance languages, is inherently gendered. Nouns, pronouns, and even adjectives carry gender distinctions, with masculine and feminine forms. This linguistic feature creates challenges when attempting to translate phrases from English, where gender is often neutral.

Example 1
Are you happy with the decision you made? – Sei contento della decisione che hai preso?

In this instance, the translation adheres to the gendered nature of Italian, assigning a specific gender to the generic adjective “happy”. In fact, “contentO” is masculine, whereas a woman would be “contentA”. However, this approach may inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes and exclude non-binary individuals.

Finding Inclusive Equivalents in Italian

Striking a balance between inclusivity and linguistic fidelity is essential. It’s often possible to create more inclusive translations without deviating too far from Italian linguistic norms.

Example 1 – alternative gender-neutral translation
Are you happy with the decision you made? – Sei felice della decisione che hai preso?

“Felice” is a gender-neutral adjective in Italian that can be used as a synonym of “contento/contenta” in the translation of “happy”. The use of “felice” avoids using a gender-specific term, maintaining inclusivity without sounding forced or unnatural.

The Challenge of the Apparently Male-Gendered Plural

Italian plurals often default to the masculine form when including both genders. While this may seem to perpetuate gender bias, it originates from Latin, where the neutral gender influenced the development of Romance languages. Striving for ungendered inclusiveness in translation may clash with the flow and naturalness of Italian speech.

Example 2:
Readers should enjoy their books. – I lettori dovrebbero trarre piacere dai loro libri

“I lettori” is what is referred to as “maschile sovraesteso” (overstreched masculine) in Italian. The masculine plural form includes female readers. Attempting to make the translation gender-neutral might result in awkward or unnatural phrases that deviate from typical spoken Italian. One could try alternative gender-neutral translations like “I lettori e le lettrici…” (addressing both male and female readers) or “Chi legge…” (using a gender-neutral pronoun) but depending on the context it could sound odd to an Italian.

Embracing Linguistic Authenticity

Italian, deeply rooted in gendered linguistic structures, often assigns masculine or feminine forms to nouns, pronouns, and adjectives. Attempts to force an ungendered approach can lead to a disconnect with the natural flow and cadence of the language. Native speakers might find such formulations unusual, affecting the text’s overall readability and aesthetic appeal.

The use of gender-neutral pronouns and noun phrases in Italian can be particularly challenging. Unlike languages with established neutral pronouns, Italian lacks a widely accepted gender-neutral option. Attempts to create gender-neutral alternatives may introduce ambiguity or sound unfamiliar to native speakers, impeding the text’s overall effectiveness.

Maintaining Reader Engagement

Language should engage and resonate with readers, fostering a connection between the message and its audience. If a text feels forced or unnatural due to the imposition of ungendered language, it risks disengaging readers. Striking a balance between inclusivity and linguistic authenticity is crucial to ensure that the message remains impactful and relatable.

The Translator’s Dilemma

Translators face the intricate task of preserving the intended meaning while adapting to the linguistic and cultural nuances of the target language. In the case of Italian, the challenge lies in respecting the language’s inherent gendered structure while promoting inclusivity. A skilled translator must navigate this delicate balance to deliver a translation that is both faithful to the source text and culturally resonant.

Finding the Right Balance in Translation

Translators face the challenge of preserving inclusivity while respecting the natural flow of the target language. It’s crucial to define the purpose of the translation: is it to adhere strictly to inclusive language principles, or is it to create a piece that resonates with Italian readers?

Navigating the complexities of inclusive language in the translation process requires a nuanced understanding of both the source and target languages. While promoting inclusivity is commendable, it is equally important to respect the linguistic norms and cultural nuances of the language being translated into. Professional Italian translators play a crucial role in finding the delicate balance between inclusivity and authenticity, ensuring that translations are not only linguistically accurate but also resonate with the sensibilities of the target audience. Ultimately, the goal is to foster communication that transcends linguistic boundaries while respecting the rich tapestry of each language’s unique characteristics.